WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries opposing the United States’ proposed acquisition of Greenland, escalating tensions with Denmark and several European allies.
In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the US would impose a 10 percent import tariff on Denmark and its European allies starting next month to increase pressure for Greenland’s acquisition.
“We have subsidized Denmark, the European Union, and other states for many years indeed for centuries without charging tariffs or receiving compensation,” Trump said. “Now the time has come for Denmark to repay, as global peace is at stake.”
According to Trump, the tariffs will apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. He said the tariff rate would take effect on February 1 at 10 percent and would be increased to 25 percent from June 1.
Trump warned that the tariffs would remain in place until a complete and final agreement is reached for the acquisition of Greenland. He accused the opposing countries of “playing a dangerous game,” arguing that firm measures are necessary to protect global peace and security.
The US president claimed that Washington has been attempting to purchase Greenland for over 150 years, but Denmark has consistently rejected the proposal. He added that Greenland has become increasingly important due to the development of advanced weapons systems and the ‘Golden Dome’ defense concept.
Trump’s declaration is made alongside the escalating requests in the United States for the authority over Greenland, arguing with strategic reasons associated with both Russia and China. At the same time, Denmark has fortified its troops in the region of Greenland and even more so around the island.
During the past days, the military forces from a number of European nations such as France and Sweden have come to Greenland for the purpose of witnessing the military drills that Denmark has organized and to be a part of them.
